“I’ve gained valuable experience in my field and look forward to applying what I have learned to my career as an Orientation and Mobility specialist,” said Fitzpatrick. "I love that I got to work with such a range of ages for my internship - from age three to 91. Meeting their very different needs keeps me on my toes and has given me loads of experience with creative problem solving.”
Fitzpatrick was required to complete and internship as part of her Master’s coursework in the Blindness and Low Vision Studies department at WMU. The department is the oldest and largest of its kind in the nation.
“The more I researched, the more the job appealed to me,” Fitzpatrick said. “I love the human service field, and the creativity, flexibility, and outdoor travel required in this particular position fit my interests perfectly.”
As an undergraduate student, Fitzpatrick studied environmental conservation, which led her to working in the education department at a zoo. She eventually began working with service animal training, and after that, Fitzpatrick knew she wanted to work in orientation and mobility.
Upon completion of her internship, Fitzpatrick was awarded her Master’s degree. She must now sit for a certification exam to become a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
Photo caption: Erin Fitzpatrick and her supervisor from Rehabilitation Services, Coretta Cooper, modeling Noir Sunshields.